Want to switch to SAT, but confused!

[bokonon]

I'm putting this in the general discussion forum b/c I want to switch to either D* or E*, but have general questions about switching to them from cable. This was my best guess. Sorry if I misplaced this! :D

I have TWC and want to switch for more HD and the NFL network. But every time I call CSRs @ either D* or E* I get different answers to my questions (I know . . . shock) so I figured I would come to the experts. Any/all help is appreciated. Here goes:

1. If I want a DVR and want to record 2 shows @ once, do I need two separate lines running from the dish to the DVR? I ask this b/c I get a different answer every time I call.

2. Anyone that has a cable modem: do you have to have a dedicated run for the modem itself or can you diplex the sat/cab signal? I assume a separate line, but hope I am wrong!

I really want to switch, but for me right now it just seems so complicated. I have RR & digital phone & want to keep both, but it appears I would have to run 2 more lines to the room where the modem is b/c that is also where my HDTV is and where I would want a HD DVR (which, of course, is also on the opposite side of the house from the cable box, and on a different floor!).

Sorry for the long post. Thanks in advance for any info and advice on how to make this work!

[Smthkd]

First off Welcome!

I can only tell you from a D* customer standpoint on your question:

1. The HR20 can record 2 shows at once and yes you need 2 lines running from the satellite dish to the receiver.

2. Yes I have a cable modem and I have a dedicated run to my HD DVR. No you cannot diplex the satellite cable as the signal uses complex frequencies for each incoming sat. signals. You need to run 1 to each individual box for SD and HD and 2 lines for DVR's!

Hope this helps!

[DBS Commando]

I'm putting this in the general discussion forum b/c I want to switch to either D* or E*, but have general questions about switching to them from cable. This was my best guess. Sorry if I misplaced this! :D

I have TWC and want to switch for more HD and the NFL network. But every time I call CSRs @ either D* or E* I get different answers to my questions (I know . . . shock) so I figured I would come to the experts. Any/all help is appreciated. Here goes:

1. If I want a DVR and want to record 2 shows @ once, do I need two separate lines running from the dish to the DVR? I ask this b/c I get a different answer every time I call.

2. Anyone that has a cable modem: do you have to have a dedicated run for the modem itself or can you diplex the sat/cab signal? I assume a separate line, but hope I am wrong!

I really want to switch, but for me right now it just seems so complicated. I have RR & digital phone & want to keep both, but it appears I would have to run 2 more lines to the room where the modem is b/c that is also where my HDTV is and where I would want a HD DVR (which, of course, is also on the opposite side of the house from the cable box, and on a different floor!).

Sorry for the long post. Thanks in advance for any info and advice on how to make this work!

E* Customer here...

1. The ViP622/722 come with a diplexor which will split one line from the dish into two, both tuners can record at the same time. Bottom line is, you only need 1 line.

2. If you want to run a broadband connection to the receiver, you should just be able to run a line from your router or switch straight into the back. Dish will take $5 a month off your bill if you do so.

[bokonon]

Thank you both very much for your help!

[8arrett]

I'm putting this in the general discussion forum b/c I want to switch to either D* or E*, but have general questions about switching to them from cable. This was my best guess. Sorry if I misplaced this! :D

I have TWC and want to switch for more HD and the NFL network. But every time I call CSRs @ either D* or E* I get different answers to my questions (I know . . . shock) so I figured I would come to the experts. Any/all help is appreciated. Here goes:

1. If I want a DVR and want to record 2 shows @ once, do I need two separate lines running from the dish to the DVR? I ask this b/c I get a different answer every time I call.

2. Anyone that has a cable modem: do you have to have a dedicated run for the modem itself or can you diplex the sat/cab signal? I assume a separate line, but hope I am wrong!

I really want to switch, but for me right now it just seems so complicated. I have RR & digital phone & want to keep both, but it appears I would have to run 2 more lines to the room where the modem is b/c that is also where my HDTV is and where I would want a HD DVR (which, of course, is also on the opposite side of the house from the cable box, and on a different floor!).

Sorry for the long post. Thanks in advance for any info and advice on how to make this work!

I have a ViP622 receiver from Dish and it has 2 satellite tuners and 1 OTA tuner AND 1 coax cable. I can record 2 satellite channels and 1 OTA channel at the same time. Hope that helps a little. --Mark